Tragic Protests Emerge as Kenyans Rally Against Surging Fuel Prices

Mon Jun 01 2026 18:20:49 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Four people have died and dozens more are injured in widespread protests across Kenya, sparked by a sudden increase in fuel prices of over 20%.

In a grim escalation of protests across Kenya, four individuals have lost their lives during demonstrations against a dramatic rise in fuel costs. The unrest has led to significant transport disruptions in Nairobi and other regions, with authorities reporting over 348 arrests as citizens demand government action to curb the high cost of living exacerbated by soaring fuel prices. The rise in costs is linked to global supply issues, primarily stemming from the US-Israel conflict impacting oil routes. Despite calls for the government to act, officials maintain that price control solutions cannot address the international oil market dynamics.

Four people have been killed and at least 30 injured in protests linked to Kenya's nationwide transport strikes against recent increases in the cost of fuel, according to the interior minister.

Thousands of commuters were left stranded, with key roads in the capital Nairobi largely empty as some businesses remained shut and schools asked students to stay at home.

Protesters have been blocking roads and erecting burning barricades. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen added that 348 people had been arrested.

The strike comes days after the authorities raised petroleum prices to record levels, with costs increasing by more than 20%.

Kenya, like many other African countries, relies heavily on fuel imports from the Gulf, a supply route disrupted by the US-Israel conflict with Iran that began on 28 February. Even though a ceasefire has been declared, fuel prices have remained high as the Strait of Hormuz, where a fifth of the world's oil passes through, is still blocked.

Many passengers were stranded at bus stops in the capital in the morning. Others arriving from elsewhere to Nairobi could not get into the city.

There is no matatu anywhere... We used to pay 100 to 150 shillings, right now it's 300. Life is becoming so unbearable. So please, [President William] Ruto, wherever you are, if you can listen to us Kenyans, please lower those fuel prices, a resident of Kitengela on the outskirts of the city, who identified himself as Charles, told the Reuters news agency.

The conductor of a bus carrying passengers from Tanzania said they could not get to Nairobi in the morning because of roadblocks and were stranded in Kajiado, a town about 75km from the city.

The bus was full. Many passengers were travelling for work and business. People are now stranded and frustrated because transport has been disrupted, he told the BBC.

In parts of Nairobi and elsewhere across the country, police used tear gas to disperse protesters who had blocked roads with burning tyres and barricades, amid reports they had been stopping and harassing motorists.

Nairobi police commander Issa Mohamud said six police officers were injured in the clashes, and five police vehicles and one civilian vehicle were damaged.

Authorities had warned protesters against being disruptive. Speaking to reporters, Murkomen said it was unfortunate that today's protests have once again been hijacked by political actors for political ends. Looting businesses and vandalising public property can in no way bring down oil prices, he stated.

The association representing transport operators had earlier urged all vehicle users, including private motorists, public transport buses (locally known as matatus), and truckers, to stay off the roads as part of a coordinated shutdown.

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) on Thursday raised prices to a high of 242 shillings (approximately $1.8) a litre for diesel and petrol.

Treasury Minister John Mbadi acknowledged that the increase in fuel prices was unfortunate and hurting the economy, but stated the strike was completely uncalled for and urged the public discourse be informed rather than emotionally driven.

As the protests unfold, concerns remain over the government's ability to address the rising cost of living and the urgent demands from citizens for relief.